+++++++++++++++++++++++++The Joey Chronicles – Living Faith (Hebrews) / “Joey Talks to Jesus”04/23/2017When Pastor John was growing up he had an imaginary friend named Joey.These are growing up stories told from Joey’s point of view!+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Milwaukie was either fun and or really boring for Joey. But Joey went every Sunday because kids who loved Jesus went to Sunday School. Besides, Joey’s parents made sure he went every week, except when he was sick.

The only way Joey could be officially sick on a Sunday morning is if he had a temperature. Joey knew that a normal temperature was 98.6. If he wanted to stay home he was going to have to get that thermometer higher.

One Sunday Joey didn’t feel very well but the thermometer kept saying 98.6. Joey decided to help it out by touching it to the bulb in his bedside lamp.

This was not a smart move.

Quicker than a flash, Joey’s “temperature” rose to 105.1 and there was no time to shake it down before Mom came in to check.

Joey shook it frantically until she grabbed it from his hand. She gasped and glanced at him sharply, followed by a knowing look that seemed to last forever.

“With a temperature like that you should be dead by now, Joey. You can tell your friends in Sunday School about your miraculous recovery. Oh, and make sure you straighten the lampshade when you make your bed. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.”

She bustled out of the room and Joey wondered how Moms always seemed to know things…

That morning in Sunday School it was Joey’s turn to pray before class started.

Joey and his six buddies bowed their heads and Joey said, “Dear Jesus…”

Paul snickered and Joey said “Cut it out, Paul.”

Paul said, “You’re not supposed to pray to Jesus. Jesus said to say “Dear Heavenly Father.”

Joey lost his prayerful attitude. “Where does it say that?”

“In the Lord’s prayer – that’s where.”

By now Joey was getting upset. “No it doesn't. Jesus said ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ and I don’t have to say that every time.”Joey’s teacher Mr. Patterson was watching watched with amusement.

“So which is it boys? Can you pray to Jesus or do you always pray to God the Father?”

Joey looked at Paul. Paul looked at Joey.

“God the Father.”

“Jesus”

Stevie snickered from the other side of the room. “They’re fighting over prayer! This is so cool!”

Mr. Patterson said, “Paul, Joey can pray to Jesus because Jesus and God the Father both hear our prayers. You can say that we pray to God the Father through Jesus His Son with the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“God the Father is the destination for our prayers. Jesus is the only way our prayers get to God the Father, their destination. And the Holy Spirit is the Ford Mustang that drives us along the road that is Jesus to the destination of God the Father.”

“Was that a Shelby GT Mustang, Mr. Patterson?” Joey asked.

Paul snorted and Mr. Patterson said, “Just pray Joey.”

Joey hesitated, “Mr. Patterson I’m confused. Could you pray because now I’m not sure what to say.”

Mr. Patterson grinned and bowed his head to pray.

“Dear Heavenly Father and Dear Jesus, thank you that you love us so much. And thank you Father for sending Jesus to die for us because of that love. And Jesus, thank you for sending Your Holy Spirit so that we know you are always with us. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – Amen.”​That day Sunday School was so interesting that Joey thought about nothing but the Trinity and Shelby Mustangs – until lunchtime.